Red Bull King of the Air brought together the absolute best athletes in Kiteboarding for a competition highlighting every aspect of this high flying sport. First, BIG AIR. But, in addition, top scorers integrate multiple maneuvers and technical tricks performed in an arena of waves and wind to give the best overall impression. The platform for Red Bull King of the Air is about proving who can do it all; who can impress the spectators and judges with awe-inspiring height and distance, while at the same time mixing in the most impressive maneuvers and technical tricks in the wave-rich venue. It's not a wave riding event, nor is it a wake style event, Red Bull King of the Air encompasses all aspects of the sport and the judges look for the sickest and most impressive maneuvers of all aspects of the sport.
Qualifying
Only 32 men and 8 women riders qualify for the main event. ALL athletes earn their spot in the Main by competing in the Trials, EXCEPT the top 3 men & women freestyle winners from the previous year (they automatically earn spots in the Main).
Judging
FREESTYLE - Prize Purse: $20,000
Heats: Essentially, there are two heats running at once. In one eight minute span, four riders are on the water at a time. Two kiters compete man-on-man with a devoted panel of judges each watching two of the contending riders. The main criteria the judges look for is big air and creative maneuvers, mixed in with a rider's ability to perform technical maneuvers and utilize the waves as ramps on the way out, rides on the way in. High on the judges' list are:
- Ability to utilize the given conditions
- Clean landings
- Creativity
- Variety
Each judge gives each rider a score of 1st or 2nd place based on their overall impression of how the rider used his/her time in the heat. The first place finisher will advance to the next round.
MOST PROGRESSIVE RIDER - Prize Purse: $1,000
The most progressive rider of the event, chosen by participating kiters.
